Born in Fitzroy, Victoria, as a youth Holliday was sent to Britain to complete his schooling, attending grammar school in Brighton. He served in the Sussex Yeomanry for three years, but after completing further studies in electrical and mechanical engineering moved to Canada. In September 1914, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force as a sapper in the Canadian Engineers.[1] He was appointed a temporary Second Lieutenant in December 1915,[2] and he subsequently transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, serving first as an observer and then as a pilot.[1]

26 July 1917 – Temp. Lt. Fred Parkinson Holliday, Gen. List and RFC is awarded the Military CrossFor conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In company with another pilot he attacked five hostile aircraft, setting one on fire, driving down another out of control, and dispersing the remainder. He has previously done fine work, bringing down eight hostile machines in all.[3]

25 August 1917 – T./Lt. Fred Parkinson Holliday, Gen. List and RFC is awarded the Distinguished Service Order – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. By his initiative and skilful manoeuvring he led six hostile machines to an encounter with our own formation, during which five out of the six hostile machines were destroyed and driven down. He had been equally successful the day before in misleading hostile aircraft, and his originality and fearless example were of the greatest value to his squadron.[4]